Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1887-08-31
KANSAS OLD SETTLERS.
Interesting Gathering at Lane-Senator
Plumb's Remarks.

The second day of the old settlers meet
ing at Lane opened with bright day ani
the attendance was large. The mornins
session was opened by Col w. A. John
son. of Garrett, president of the associa
ton. He read lengthy letter from Judge
| Goodwin, of Ottawa, in which regrets
we've expressed that he was not able to b,
present, and also some stirring sentiments
in regard to Kansas and its old settlers. A
letter was also read from Senator Ingalls,
who expressed regret that he was not able
to be present on account of previous en-
gagement in another state.
After the intermission for dinner Gen
Harrison Kelly, of Coffee county, was In
troduced and made stirring speech. Col
johnson then made few remarks prior t.
introducing the principal speaker of The
day, Senator Preston B. Plumb. Follow
ing is synopsis of his speech:
The stirring times of thirty-one years
ago are unequ4*d in the history of oul
country. No man can tell of any time
equal to it. l came to Kansas during those
times learned the trade of printer, and
afterward published an independent paper
at Xenia, O.. The Know-nothing party
was originated at that time. Then arose
the Kansas troubles In June of 1856, and
/ came to Kansas to investigate, and found
nothing to have been exaggerated l be-
came possessed with the free state feeling.
and went into the fight. went back to
Ohio and brought back with me q
brass field piece and 100 sharp's rifles
l was with Gen. Lane when he took
possession of Fort Scott, then In possession
of an officer of the regular army The
men who first settled country are the
men who more than others determine its
destiny. The free state men of Kansas
had patience and determination. The
brave manner in which they fought, poorly
equipped as they were, argues the posses
sion on their part of great courage The
settlers of Kansas did not, as a rule, come
here to fight, but they wanted their rights
and they defended them and thereby secur-
ed the sympathy of the entire north Kan
sas sent thirteen regiments to the war.
They were the defendants of the men who
landed at Plymouth Rock Americans are
of the Anglo Saxon race, the race that
never deteriorates Unlike the Roman
soldier, American soldiers do not lose their
prestige as regards nationality by making
conquests In war. Our government
was never stronger at any time in its exist
ence than it was at the close of the war.
Less than thirty years ago there were but
40, 900 people in the state speaking English;
now there are 1900, 600 America will
lead the world. Who will lead America?
Kansas will lead. 1t will not be the men
of the sea coast who will lead, but the men
from inland Kansas Here brought to-
gether are the best men of all states. Hav-
ing surmounted great difficulties, such men
are fit for leadership. Men want power,
men labor for money to gain power, and all
Kansas old settlers ought TO feel their |
power. Men went to the war who had no
thought Of its seriousness
They afterward knew they were in the |
greatest struggle the world ever saw, and It |
inspired personal independence In them. |
Kansas will go forward In morals; and |
leadership in that direction Is manifest. 1t |
Is not only the fighters who gain promin- |
ence."
In closing, the speaker said: ut is a |
good thing for the people to come together,
even If all ere not old settlers of Kansas. |
Great benefit is derived from people ming
ling with each other"
The following members Of the associa-
ion were chosen IS officers for the ensuing
year: President, Col. W A Johnson, of |
Garnett, Kansas; vice president. General
Harrison Kelly. Of Cofey county; secre-
ary, Frank Pyle. Of Lane, Kan. historian,
Mrs. johnson Clark, of Lane, Kan.
The counties of Bourbon. Allen, CoTey,
Woodson, Usage and Lyon were added to
he Poitawatomie district of old settlers
The executive committee is as follows: III.
Smith Of Miami county, j. NJ Lane Of
Cofey county, D. Holiday Of Franklin
county, George A Cook of Anderson
county, Robert Kinkaid Of Linn county,
Dr.. John Scott of Allen county. d. B. Nc
Donald of Bourbon county, p Graves Of
Noodson county, z. W. Eskridge Of Lyon
county.
The association VIII meet next year at
1ane, on the last Thursday and Friday Of
August